Shilajit

Origin

Shilajit is the king of all ancient
medicines used to treat many curable diseases. It is found in mountains of
Gilgit Baltistan, Tibet and Chitral.

Taste and Color

Shilajit is a thick, sticky tar-like
substance with a colour ranging from white to dark brown (the latter is more
common). iIs tastes extremely bitter and earthy with a peculiar smell.

How is Shilajit Harvested?

Shilajit is often found in between
cracks of large rocks. It occurs naturally after an organic matter dies and
mixes with microbial metabolites and minerals from different sources (soil,
water, etc.). After fermentation period, they naturally come out of the rocks
due to the sun’s heat, and this is when they are harvested. They are manually
scraped from the rocks and then processed to remove impurities. The outcome is
a homogeneous paste-like material in dark brown to black in color. It appears
glossy with a bitter taste and a peculiar smell.

Benefits of Shilajit

Mood Stabilizer

Shilajit is a great mood stabilizer and
helps to reduce anxiety. Studies show that shilajit produced similar results to
that of Xanax, without any of the side effects associated with prescription
drugs.

Cures Stress, Depression And Anxiety

For those who suffer from depression, their
zinc level is likely to be low. Shilajit boosts a lot of natural zinc, which is
also required by more than 300 enzymes in our body. We don’t get enough zinc in
a modern diet, and our bodies are not able to store much of it either. Hence,
we need a small, but regular supply of this metal to stay healthy.

Two additional important elements are
magnesium and potassium. Both of these minerals lower blood pressure, muscle
tension and heart rate. Together with zinc, this may be a great solution to
relieve stress and anxiety. For some of us, it works as a natural and
healthy replacement for prescription drugs or antidepressants.

Antioxidant And Anti-ageing Properties

Shilajitserves as a natural anti-oxidant,
containing more than 85 minerals in their ionic form. They assist in inhibiting
lipid peroxidation and reducing glutathione. Consuming shalijit prevents the
free radicals that cause oxidization in our blood. It also promotes cellular
respiration which helps immensely with anti-aging.The fulvic acid in shilajit
delivers antioxidants and minerals directly to cells where they are most
required. This keeps them safe against free radical damage and accelerated
aging.

The minerals contained in shalijit help to
keep the immune system strong and diseases away. Shilajit’s antioxidant
activity protects against cellular damage, and it’s this cellular damage that
speeds the aging process in your heart, lungs, liver, and skin. Recent studies
found that shilajit contained an ORAC index between 50 and 500, this is
substantially higher than berries, which are known as a great antioxidant food.

Helps fight Cancer

Fascinatingly, shilajit has been found to be
toxic to various of types of cancers, including lung, breast, colon, ovarian
and liver cancer. Some researchers attribute its toxicity to these cancer to
the presence and combination of heavy metals in the substance, making it a
potential natural cancer treatment.

Also related to cancer is the
ability shilajit has to protect certain body systems from dangerous radiation
damage. A June 2016 study published in the Archives of Gynaecology and
Obstetrics found that it greatly protected ovaries from
radiation-related damage.

Helps Fight Alcohol Addiction And Withdrawal

Shilajit had comparable results to the
prescription medication Xanax when it was tested for treating anxiety caused by
alcohol withdrawal. Consuming shilajit showed a significant reduction in stress
levels without producing any side effects and helped reduce alcohol addiction.

Improves The Immune System

Shiliajit is a nonspecific immune
stimulator. It regenerates the immune system, boosts overall immune system
functioning and restores the immune system to its natural rhythm.

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Shilajit has shown to the repair and
regenerate the cells of the pancreas. This leads to improved blood sugar levels
in those suffering from diabetes. It helps in maintaining healthy glucose
levels therefore keeping diabetes in control.

Improves Brain Function

Shilajit has been used to help in increasing
mental functioning. It has effects on both learning ability and memory. Science
has supported this by establishing that shalijit was able to slow down the
natural degeneration of neurons in your nervous system.

Researchers have identified that there is a
special effect created by small molecules contained in shilajitcalled
dibezno-alpha-pyrones. These molecules prevent the breakdown of the brain
chemicals needed for memory. Other studies report the fulvic acid in shilajit
appears to help against some causes of Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and
nervous disorders.

The numerous compounds found in shilajit may
be helpful for brain function, and may even aid Alzheimer's therapy.

A study in the International Journal of
Alzheimer's Disease noted that shilajit is traditionally used for
longevity and to slow aging. The compounds in it may help control cognitive
disorders, such as Alzheimer's.

Researchers expect shilajit to have an
impact in preventing cognitive disorders, but more research is needed to
explore these possibilities.

Tissue Repair And Regeneration

Studies have shown that shilajit has
incredible regenerative effects. It has shown its abilityto be able to restore
the human body to its natural healthy state. Given its type of chemical
composition, it is a useful anti-inflammatory agent. Shilajit helps with
addressing tissue damage and accelerates healing. It has also been shown to
protect neurons and help increase muscle mass after activity.In a study it was
demonstrated that consuming shilajit doubled the healing time of broken bones
in the test subjects. It was used as an anabolic agent by the soviet sports and
military because of the wide spread results it had shown when it came to
healing muscle and bone tissues. There is initial evidence that it helps
bones regenerate, protecting from and slowing the process of osteoporosis.
In a study of obese patients published in the Journal of Medicinal
Food, supplementation greatly improved the function and regeneration of
skeletal muscles.

Protects The Heart

A recent study using animal as subjects
tested how well shilajit protected the heart. The animals who received the herb
showed less cardiovascular damage. Researchers concluded that this effect must
have come from more than simply its anti-oxidant activity.

Disclaimer

It is important to note that shilajit may
reduce blood pressure in some cases and should not be taken by anyone
who has an active heart condition.

Improves Fertility

Shilajit is the main ingredient in Ayurveda
for treating low libido and sexual performance in a natural way and is known as
the Indian Viagra.Shilajit works wonders for improving the male sexual
function. A study gave 60 men suffering from infertility shilajit twice daily
for 90 days. At the end of the test period, sperm counts in the men had
increased by more than 60%, and sperm activity had improved by 12% or more.
This proves what Ayurvedic doctors had identified centuries ago. It is a great
natural supplement for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.Any man
dealing with infertility problems should try this safe, natural alternative to
address his condition

Cures Anaemia

Anaemia develops when the blood does
not have enough healthy cells or haemoglobin. There are many causes of anaemia,
including iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency anaemia can cause numerous
symptoms in the body, including:

irregular heartbeat

fatigue and weakness

cold hands and feet

headache

Shilajit contains high levels of humic acid
and iron, which may be helpful in treating iron deficiency anaemia. It is
important to explore this option with a doctor before taking supplements,
however.

Obesity

Carrying extra weight can tire the muscles
and put stress on the bones. A study in the Journal of Medicinal
Food noted that people who were obese who took an oral supplement of
purified shilajit responded better to exercise than those who did not.

Researchers noted that the shilajit seemed
to activate genes in the body that helped the skeletal muscles quickly adapt to
the new workout. This could mean less fatigue and more strength over time.

Promotes Testosterone Levels Naturally

A man needs high testosterone levels to
protect muscle tissue, keep fat off, and to maintain a better overall mood. Men
who take shilajit not only increase the number and health of a man’s ‘swimmers’
but also help to boost their testosterone levels.

Enhances Performance

The nutrients contained in shilajit act at
the cellular level to improve energy production at its source, the
mitochondria. When your cells are nourished like this, you feel more alive,
your recover faster, and you have plenty of energy to get you through the day.
Taking shilajit helps to increases physical strength and endurance. It reduces
both physical and mental stress and fatigue. It generally helps you to feel
better and have more energy.

Helps In Altitude Sickness

One of the claims made by traditional
practitioners is that shilajit can help alleviate altitude sickness. The
changes in pressure at high altitudes can greatly affect some people. Symptoms
of altitude sickness range from body pain and fatigue to lung congestion and
low oxygen in the brain.

Shilajit is a complex substance that
contains more than 80 different minerals, as well as fulvic acid and humic
acid. Because of this broad spectrum of beneficial components, shilajit is
thought to help reduce many symptoms of altitude sickness.

It may help improve the brain's cognitive
processes, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation, all of which
could lessen altitude sickness.

Skin Care And Wrinkles

Manganese slows down the aging of the skin
and the development of wrinkles. It also improves the tensile strength and
elasticity of the skin.

Copper makes skin healthier by promoting
collagen. It is a protein produced by the cells to ‘hold’ the skin together,
promoting skin regeneration and reducing wrinkles. Deficiency of copper is also
linked to depigmentation of the skin.

Silicon is another important component of
collagen formation as well as one of the most abundant trace minerals in
Shilajit. Without collagen, your skin would perpetually sag!

Organic selenium and zinc have a general
role in normal skin development and function. They protect skin from UV
radiation, providing a safe and effective means to reduce UVR exposure. People
with a lack of these elements may have skin abnormalities.

To use Shilajit for the skin, you can apply
it externally like a cream or ingest it internally to promote collagen
production. Though there is little scientific evidence to warrant oral or
topical supplementation for the skin, there are many anecdotal reports claiming
major success!

Helps In Regrowth Of Hair.

Shilajit can enrich your shower soap with a
variety of needed elements that our modern diet simply doesn’t supply.

One of the important metals is copper. It
may calm your scalp and help hair growth. Copper also may increase your hair’s
natural pigmentation.Manganese, selenium, and zinc play an important role in
healthy skin, including the scalp.

To be most effective, you should take
shilajit internally as well as mixing it with your shampoo or shower gel.

Other Benefits

Adding shilajit to
our diet has numerous other benefits as well. It helps to treat high blood
pressure, gastritis, hemorrhoids, constipation and indigestion. It is also used
for treating bronchitis and asthma related problems.Shilajit is also helpful in
the treatment of arthritis, joint pains and reduces inflammation. It is also
useful in protecting the liver, pancreas and thyroid gland. It also helps to
detoxify the body and remove toxins thereby treating urinary and kidney stone
problems. It helps to increase blood circulation and helps treat anemia and
ulcers. It is also beneficial to increase metabolism and as a natural weight
loss supplement.

To consume, dissolve a pea size portion of
shilajit in non-chlorinated water, tea or warm milk. You can also dissolve it
under your tongue or swallow it. It is recommended to start with a rice or pea
sized piece, twice to thrice a week for age 3 years till 50 years for general
wellbeing. (Men or women)

The general dosage to consume shilajit is
250 mg for adults. If you consume 250 mg thrice a week. you can use 5gm for 6
weeks. Consume it with breakfast. In warm water/tea/milk. Add a bit honey as
it's bitter in taste. Never consume it on an empty stomach nor at night.

Shilajit is the king of all ancient
medicines used to treat many curable diseases. The plant contains over 80
minerals that support the body and these minerals have an incredible effect on
our health. These include the richest source of all types of minerals, vitamins
and other essential nutrients. Shilajit contains several potent substances
including antioxidants, humic and fulvic acid. It contains a wide variety of
components, each of which may be responsible for some of its many benefits. A
few of these include: eldagic acid, triterpenes, sterols, aromatic carboxylic
acids, 3,4-benzocoumarins, amino acids, polyphenols, phenolic lipids,
polysaccharides, lignins, dibenzo-α-pyrones (this one acts as a carrier of the
other components).

Shilajit is known as the “Destroyer of
Weakness and the Conqueror of Mountains.” It is thought to be one of the
most popular herbs in the traditional Indian system of Ayurveda medicine.
Shilajit does wonders for those who want to increase their physical
performance. It improves recovery after a workout, increases stamina, improves
physical weakness as well as brain functioning.It may even promote natural
strength gain and muscle mass. It can also be used as a mood stabilizer and has
anti-ageing properties. It also helps fight bacterial infections and
strengthens the immune system. It is also useful in tissue regeneration,
maintaining healthy sugar levels and as a cognitive enhancer.

Over many millions of years, plants and
organic matter were trapped by layers of rock in mountainous regions of India,
Tibet and Pakistan. The pressure from the weight of the mountains and the
extreme temperature changes causes the plants to be transformed into a rich
mineral mass that flows out of the rocks. This plant matter found in the
Himalayan Mountains during the summer is in the form of a blackish brown
semisolid mass and is known as shilajit.

Over 3,000 years ago, shilajit was mentioned
in ancient Sanskrit texts. Known as “conqueror of mountains and
destroyer of weakness,” it has been one of the staples of traditional
medicine (and an aphrodisiac) in a variety of Asian countries for thousands of
years. Vaidya Charak, a famous ancient Indian in the first century A.D.,
is quoted as saying, “There is hardly any curable disease which cannot be
controlled or cured with the aid of shilajit.”

If used in the right way and dosage,
Shilajit is not associated with any serious side effects.

In cases where someone takes iron
supplements along with Shilajit, it could lead to building up of an excess iron
in the blood, as Shilajit contains a pretty high amount of iron.

In very rare cases, it could aggravate gout
or lower the blood pressure. But apart from those three cases, Shilajit is
perfectly safe even in higher than normal quantities.

Side effects from Shilajit may be indicative
of a low-quality Shilajit, or something that claims to be Shilajit but is not
really so.

Be aware that many Shilajit supplements on
the market aren’t exactly what they’re reported to be. Some of these contain
fertilizer. Others contain toxic heavy metals. Be sure you’re getting the
right stuff.

Possible fulvic acid side effects may
similarly occur, if taken in an isolated form, as it’s not in the same
arrangement that a real Shilajit will be in.

For many, Shilajit is best taken with food
to minimize any lightheadedness that can occur.

However, it’s always a good idea to listen
to your body and stop taking Shilajit if you notice symptoms of an allergic
reaction, which may include nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate, itchiness
etc.

Keep in mind that this counts for everything
we ingest and there were no reported cases of severe allergic
reactions to Shilajit.

Of course, it’s always best to talk to your
physician before taking any supplements, especially in cases where you already
take prescribed drugs.

If you take a very high dose, Shilajit might
increase uric acid levels which in turn can lead to increased bile levels
resulting in more problems. However, this happens only when a very large
dose is administrated.

It is important to note that Shilajit may
reduce blood pressure in some cases and should not be taken by anyone
who has an active heart condition.

Shilajit is not
suitable for pregnant or lactating women.